Educational workshops on topics ranging from skipper training, sleep deprivation and emergency skills to loan opportunities and financing for commercial fishermen will be offered during a virtual midwinter Fishermen’s EXPO set for Feb. 22.
The event being held online from Sitka, Alaska, this year, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, hosted by the Alaska Longline Fishermen’s Association (ALFA) and the Alaska Sustainable Fisheries Trust (ASFT).
Commercial and subsistence fishermen of all gear types can participate at no cost in interactive classes on skipper training, bathymetry mapping updates, loan and financing opportunity, dealing with sleep deprivation while fishing, fisheries policy, management updates and more.
Presenters will include Jerry Dzugan, executive director of the Alaska Marine Safety Education Association; Lela Klingert, president and chief executive officer of the Alaska Commercial Fishing and Agriculture Bank; and Linda Behnken, executive director of the Alaska Longline Fishermen’s Association.
Those wishing to participate is asked to register free online at www.alfafish.org, where updates on EXPO will also be posted.
ALFA is an alliance of small boat commercial fishermen who support sustainable fisheries and coastal communities by involving fish harvesters in research, advocacy and conservation initiatives. ASFT is a non-profit entity dedicated to strengthening fishing communities and marine resources through research, education and economic opportunity.